Diabetes with a smile–

desserts

I’ve been doing THIS for a long time! You’d thing going out for dinner wouldn’t be a big deal. Ha! MOST OF THE TIME, it isn’t, but if I’m in a funk, I tend to want to eat dessert first —- life is short, after all… When I’m okay (thinking positively), it’s not a problem. Then, there are those days when I convince myself that I’m making much ado about nothing.

“SUGAR BEAST”

Truth. It’s NOT nothing. T2D is not a joke, not something to be dismissed. So, in as much as I want to let that evil Sugar Beast in, I’m NOT going to. Evil *!@#!***

I really think that waaaay back, when I was first diagnosed, I convinced myself that I’d handle this “diabetes nonsense” and move on with my life. How naive was I? I knew then, and I still am acutely aware that Type 2 Diabetes is here to stay, and the harder I fight it, the worse I feel.

I used the word feel, because it isn’t only a physical issue, it’s also an emotional one. That’s the hardest part for me. I’m definitely a “stress eater,” My emotions send my appetite into high gear, when life hits the fan.

We all have choices! For me, making a conscious decision to choose wisely is where it all starts. I need to:

STOP —- Slow down and get a grip

THINK —-What outcome do I want from my decision?

BREATHE —-Deep breaths are imperative in order to stop and think before making an important decision.

Yes, eating that piece of cake is an important choice. It’s trivial to non-diabetics, but for me, it’s imperative to do the right thing. Most of the time, choosing to have dessert is not the end of the world (in my case), but importantly, I don’t want that decision to be the one that sends me over the cliff.

Seriously. I’ve been able to treat my diabetes with diet, exercise, and one medication. Pretty good, I’m told. Here’s the thing — making a lifestyle out of eating the wrong things, lack of exercise, and failing to take my medication properly, WILL send me on the road to insulin. I don’t want that!

I don’t consider taking a little more insulin, or an extra pill, will make it okay for any diabetic to “cheat” on decisions regarding food choices. That’s a game I don’t want to play because, I know that I won’t come out the winner. I’m VERY competitive. If it’s between me and diabetes —- trust me, I’LL WIN! I’ll succeed each and every day, by using the tools that I have.

Lately, I’ve been having difficulty with food choices. Ugh, it’s a killer. But, I’m living one day at a time, one choice at a time, and relief is on it’s way. I feel it. That cloud is starting to lift, if ever so slowly. I’m fighting to be able to follow the healthy road I’ve chosen for myself.

No need to rush —- slowly, carefully, I’m getting back on track. I CAN DO IT — and so can you.

Ha! Not MY favorite time of the year, that’s for sure. We got hit with eight inches on Saturday — beautiful, but messy and dangerous.

I was in NYC with my children, celebrating my birthday (NOT revealing the number!). 🙂 We went to the Met to see the exquisite Christmas Tree, sometimes referred to as the Angel Tree, and Neapolitan Baroque Creche. It’s a sight to behold, regardless of the religion you profess (or don’t). It’s art, at its finest. Put it on your calendar for next year. You won’t regret it — I promise!

“Angel Tree” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC

While we were strolling through the museum, enjoying the VALETIN DE BOULOGNE — BEYOND CARAVAGGIO Exhibit, it was snowing outside; like CRAZY! We were warm, relaxed, and hungry, so we headed to The Petrie Court Cafe, one of the Met’s restaurants, for lunch — so,Let It Snow!

We had worked up an appetite and feasted on food fit for royalty. Most museum food doesn’t do it for me, but our lunch was deeeelicious! I won’t write the specifics — just the thought of our epicurean delights is making me salivate! We were full, and moved on to the remainder of our journey in the museum. Evidently, we walked off that full feeling, because…

Later, after viewing some other exhibits, we returned for dessert. Yes, you heard me right — DESSERT! Something I normally skip when out to lunch/dinner; but, C’mon, it was my birthday. I indulged in a serving of dark, chocolate fudge cake with a small scoop of cappuccino gelato — there go my salivary glands, again! Joking, I said to my kids, “What! No candle?” They chuckled, as my daughter reached into her purse and pulled one out. I laughed knowing they couldn’t light it, but just to be on the safe side, I said, “We’ll get thrown out, if you light that!” At that very moment, my son lit a match and they quickly sung Happy Birthday to You, as I made a wish and blew out the candle!

🙂 That was one of many laughs we had on Saturday. More took place in two Uber rides through the snow (to and from Penn Station), along with a serenade — Happy Birthday to You, just prior to my train’s departure. They made sure that the guests at the restaurant, the visitors and employees at the Met, and the passengers on the train wished me a HB! My stomach hurt from laughing; a multitude of thanks to my chickadees for making yet another birthday — SO much fun. Contrary to research, we believe that a sense of humor is genetic — actually, we know that for sure.

BACK TO WEATHER AND APPETITEand T2D. I don’t know about your inclinations, regarding food and the change in weather, but I know that I definitely BULK UP in winter. Let’s face it, if you live in the “change of season” states, you’ll be cold in the winter months and looking for a nice warm soup or stew, hot coffee or tea. For me, the warm summer weather signals salads and cold drinks.

That being said, it’s been really cold here in the Northeast of the U.S. and so, along with donning my long johns, I HAVE been drinking a lot of herbal tea and eating heavier meals (while monitoring my blood sugar, I might add). HOLY METEOROLOGY! Our temperatures ranged from the 20’s on Saturday (with 8″ of the white stuff), moving up to 46 degrees today (Wednesday), to a predicted possibility of 60 tomorrow!

Jones Beach, of course!

CRAZY! BEACH WEATHER! So where will that put our food cravings tomorrow? Chicken salad, tuna salad, big fat Greek Salad? Dare I say, ice cream? NOOOOooooo. I won’t go that far. Just as the outdoor plants are getting confused with the roller-coaster weather, our internal barometers may not know which way to direct us in terms of food. But fret not, It’s “suspected” that the thermostat will take a dive into the 20’s come Saturday, and then rise up once again during next week.

What to eat? That is the question — not Shakespeare!

It matters not the weather (feeling British), the bottom line is that this Type 2 Diabetic must stay on track — regardless of the barometer.

Monitor blood sugar levels

Exercise — in my case, walk, walk, WALK

Eat properly (Yes, we ALL know what that means!)

Monitor glucose regularly

Started WALKING!

Enjoy the journey, folks. We’re going to be just fine, 🙂 despite the weather.

I have good, long-time friends — you know the kind; you haven’t seen them in eons and then, when you finally get together, it’s like time never passed. That’s Carol and Walter, my North Carolina friends. Due to life getting in the way, I haven’t been down there in probably three years. That’s crazy!!! To rectify that situation, I relied on my other good, long-time friend, Jet Blue. I hopped a plane and, in the blink of an eye, I was engulfed in a hug that made it all better. Charlotte airport is a piece of cake (hmmm, interesting analogy) and we were in their house within half an hour. There was a large basket of apples, staring me in the face when I walked into their welcoming home. Good friends.

Travel makes this Dedicated Diabetic’s life, well let’s say, “interesting.” Airports are wall to-wall junk food — at least that’s what I see! I know, I know, there are a multitude of concessions that carry clothes, jewelry, books and magazines, perfume, etc. But it’s the walls of junk food that call my name.

I needed water. Usually I bring an empty bottle to get through security and then fill it once I’m through — not this time. No matter. I knew I’d pass five places, where I could buy a bottle, before I got to the gate. I chose one that didn’t have aisles of candy — Bravo, Kathy; good choice! You might think that but, while waiting on line with my ice cold aqua, I spied cookies. It was 7:15 a.m. and I had a quick breakfast before I left home, so there was NO NEED. This isn’t about need, crept through my mind. NO, NO, NO, was bouncing around in my head. I resisted. Then, just as I went to pay for the water, my left arm reached over (like a bolt of lightning) and grabbed a bag of chocolate chip cookies. Next thing I knew I was at Gate 4, waiting for the plane to Charlotte. I was like an alcoholic in a blackout!

I opened my carryon and there they were, looking up at me with their big, brown, chocolate-chip eyes, like a puppy with his head tilted to the side, wanting to be held. I can’t resist puppies, and I didn’t resist the cookies. I took the package out, my mouth watering, and attempted to open it. I said “attempted,” because with all the poking and prodding, pulling, trying to tear open the bag, it remained intact. It was like a castle, surrounded by a moat. There was no getting in. 😦

I could have walked back to the concession and switched the package out for one that might actually open.

I could have leaned over to the guy next to me and asked for help, I needed my DRUG!

I could have tossed that bag into the garbage (where it belonged).

There is a list of actions I COULD HAVE taken but, instead, I placed the chips back into my bag. I started to read an article in The Times and the craving passed. You’ll be happy to know that while I was waiting for my flight back to New York, I reached into my bag, saw the package of chocolate chips, and placed it (reverently) into the garbage!

I’m very fortunate. Carol and Walter are healthy eaters, so my visit wasn’t torturous. No one was pushing food down my throat. He grills most everything, so that helps and, they’re major veggie fans.

GOLDEN zucchini, RED and YELLOW tomatoes from Meyers Farm!

So, for the most part, it was a healthy trip.

Notice I said, for the most part…

Walter is a retired baker — retired is the operative word, resulting in NO leftovers from the bakery coming home. But, he does love his cake. Usually allowing himself a dessert once or twice a week; I’m not gonna lie, I joined in. Their food stores, as do ours, have a bakery department that you can smell a mile away. The good news is that besides whole cakes, pies and other confectionaries, they also have slices packaged separately — one piece per container. This made it easy to at least limit my intake. Twice while there I had one slice and walked it off.

You’ll NEVER convince me that sugar isn’t addictive! The reality is, it’s my drug of choice and is a constant battle. Not that I never cave at home, but when traveling, I admit — it happens!

Once on the plane heading north, I started to reflect on my trip. Health wise, it was fine. I walked, caved into my cravings only twice, and otherwise ate healthy, diabetic-friendly foods.

I have no problem with them, I actually like the real deal. We had “one” that inhabited our backyard for years. I convinced my kids that “Peter” lived in our yard — “but, don’t get too close!” It could have been twenty different rabbits, how would I know? They were all brown, had two floppy ears, a cotton tail, and hippity hopped all over the place. But Peter was “ours” (or so we claimed) and we loved observing him from afar — even to the point of greeting him/her (with, “Hi Pete!” every morning). 🙂

My daughter’s friend (Hi Denise!) and her husband (Hi Thomas!) had a gorgeous rabbit. His name was “Buster” or “Busterina.” I was never quite sure… 🙂 But that was one beautiful, spoiled rabbit! C’mon, Denise, you know that’s true! He/she had his/her OWN room. I had to SHARE a room with my sister when I was a “bunny” — didn’t want to say “kid” in case the goats are listening! (groan — sorry)

Back to the DIABETIC ISSUE at hand: It’s the CHOCOLATE bunnies I have an issue with. BIG surprise. THEY ARE EVERYWHERE! To this Type 2 Diabetic,it’s TORTURE!

I can’t take it anymore. Every single store I go into has those damn chocolate bunnies — and they’re calling my name! “Kathy, I’m over here! One won’t hurt!” It’s like waterboarding for diabetics! 😦 Make it STOP, I’m pleading with you.

NOW, LET’S FACE IT — whether you’re a Christian or not, you KNOW that Easter is NOT about the freakin’ chocolate bunnies! It’s not about ANY Bunnies!!!

If you feel you’re making all the right decisions — BRAVO! Good for you. If perhaps that’s not the way your day is moving along, remember — you can always start over. We are only human, so just do your best.

Hey! Maybe you’re not a sugarholic or chocoholic — count your blessings! But, if you are, you’ll relate to this post, and this time period may be rough for you. It’s interesting, I’ve found that many of my friends don’t crave sweets. Their “drug of choice” is carbs! Is their a difference? 😦 [Too many links to post.] If you’re in this category, Google carboholic. You may be in for a surprise…

For those of us who crave sweets, please — BE ON GUARD against the sales next week. All those bright, shimmering, pink and red heart-shaped containers, beautifully decorated square and rectangular boxes, that are left over and filled with shiny pieces of chocolate, will likely be 70% off! I LOVE a good sale, AND, I am a “chocolate addict,” so I know those boxes will be calling me.

Here’s this Dedicated Diabetic’s PLAN to avoid temptation — I’m simply NOT going into the stores tomorrow. I just can’t. I know my limitations. That chocolatey odor will seep from the containers and I’ll hear my name being called — “Kathy, I’m over here. Buy me — 70% OFF — how can you resist?” UGH! Torture. I seem to be most vulnerable around Halloween and Valentine’s Day, for obvious reasons. My plan is to take my “vulnerable” self as far away from those stores/displays, as is humanly possible. I have my trusty Grapefruit Oil, always at the ready, (IMPORTANT: Check with your doctor; this oil really should not be smelled directly from the bottle — could cause irritation in your nose. Instead, a drop or two on the palms of your hands, held away from your nose, is the more appropriate method. Check it out before using!). For the past week or so, I’ve been sniffing away when I even think chocolate, dessert, any tempting delight. I’ve mentioned it before — I think the odor of the grapefruit oil simply “detours your brain” away from craving the sweets.

My “HEARTfelt” (get it?) suggestion to you, my fellow Type 2 Diabetics: Make the healthy choices — for yourself.Begin TODAY, right now. Do it for YOU — the effect will trickle down to those you love. you’ll see.

The good news is the stores will be sold out in two or three days, and “Satan’s Attack” will be over. Ended. Kaput! 🙂

At the end of my last post, I promised to discuss alternatives to those sugary, sweet, delectable, delicious, chocolate delights. You know the ones — that fill a box the size of New Jersey and are the shape of a beautifully wrapped red heart! Marketing gurus would have us believe that this product symbolizes LOVE, and is obligatory. You’re too smart for that.

LOVE is defined, in the Mirriam-Webster Dictionary, as “a feeling of constant affection for a person.” Dictionary.com refers to LOVE as “a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.” Lastly, and MY all time favorite definition of LOVE is from the Urban Dictionary — “Love is nature’s way of tricking people into reproducing.” (Anonymous, April 7, 2003) 🙂 Now THAT’S funny! 🙂

So, I’ve given you a few of the ways love is defined and NOWHERE is a heart-shaped box of candy mentioned. NOWHERE!

My goal in writing today’s post, is to speak to the issue of alternatives to candy, heart-shaped cakes, cookies, and the like. I’ll give you some HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES to expressing one’s undying love for another that won’t raise anyone’s BLOOD SUGAR.

What says I LOVE YOU more deeply than showing someone that their HEALTH is more important to you than anything else? Here are a few GLUCOSE-FREE IDEAS that will fare as a much better symbol of your LOVE than a box of chocolates: (Drum roll, please) —

For the WRITER in your life, consider a RUBY-RED JOURNAL — maybe paired with a beautiful RED PEN! (I see that as “gender-neutral”)

FLOWERS, of course. By the way, they don’t HAVE to be red but, for some reason, that color seems to get the message across on this “particular” day.

For theMAN in your life — you know exactly what his likes and dislikes are: TICKETS TO A SPORTING EVENT, CAR/BOAT SHOW, MUSIC., etc., etc. (I know you KNOW! — and you can show you’re love by being sure they’re GLUCOSE FREE!

Some GLUCOSE FREE ideas for that special WOMAN you hold near and dear:

A beautiful, bright red, leather PURSE (or maybe GLOVES? That will get you some Ooo’s and Ahh’s. What says LOVE better than leather???

LINGERIE — RED, of course. (Hmmm. Who’s that gift really for?) 🙂

A gift certificate for a MANICURE/PEDICURE — with a bottle of a beautiful shade of red nail polish (chosen by you) attached to it.

It’s easy to SAY, “I love you,” but not always as easy to SHOW it. One important factor to consider is your budget — stay within it! There’s nothing sexy about debt.

Oops! I almost forgot. If you have children (yours or someone else’s) to whom you wish to express your LOVE, there are a zillion ways to choose GLUCOSE FREE gifts for them. Whether they’re diabetic or not, nobody needs junk food. Cruise around any department store, there are hearts everywhere!!! Oh, and remember, BOOKS are always a great gift for ANYONE!

For those of you who feel that Valentine’s Day is a bourgeois symbol of LOVE, a Hallmark Holiday, or one created by the chocolate companies, you may be right! But, be careful — be sure you’re both on the same page… for love — IS — in the air!

Get on it, folks. The “big” day is just around the corner.

Oh, and one more suggestion — a nice walk, with the one you love, at the end of the evening = sheer joy!

It’s BARBECUE season in the northeast — FINALLY! That long, dark, frigid, icy winter is behind us. The sun is out and so far, so good, in terms of the heat index. We’ve been really lucky! (Best not to say it out loud.) 🙂

This is a great season for diabetics. Yes, there are a lot of parties, but grilled food can’t be beat. Of course, the fresh fruits and veggies are abundant and delicious! We know that we can keep our blood sugar levels under control by skipping the carbs. A fresh, juicy burger, is still a fresh, juicy burger, whether it sits atop a roll or not. A slice of tomato and/or red onion on top? Mmmm. Add a salad of greens with red and yellow peppers scattered about, and I’m good to go. For dessert, a small serving of mouth-watering, colorful, cut-up fruit is perfect.

Skinless chicken and fresh fish hot off the grill, are a welcome change of pace. I like to add my (Penzey) herbs and spices — Sunny Paris and Tuscan Sunset are my faves, with Chesapeake Bay for the fish. What a difference a shake or two of these delectable additions can make to plain ol’ chicken or fish. Your guests will delight in your creativity.

Fresh Veggies

DON’T LEAVE OUT THE VEGGIES — rows and rows of them laid out on the fiery grill. What could be better than hot, grilled peppers — red, yellow, and green? Slices of fresh green and yellow zucchini, and rows of sliced onions and tomatoes with those deep, dark grill lines — tell me that doesn’t make your mouth water. Seriously, they’re really good! I was never much of a “vegetable person,” until I tried them hot off the grill. A whole new world was opened to me with the first bite. What better way to keep your blood sugar in line? Healthy and delicious.

Enjoy the 4th, folks, and keep that A1C right where it belongs — D O W N!!!